Food producers can now detect and act on Listeria contamination within a single shift, thanks to Neogen’s new Listeria Right Now™ molecular assay.

Traditionally, testing environmental samples for Listeria monocytogenes has taken two to three days, especially when sent to external labs. That delay leaves processors vulnerable to hidden risks and potential recalls. The new method delivers results in as little as two hours, without enrichment, allowing corrective action and retesting before production resumes.

“Every hour counts when it comes to Listeria,” said Dr. Jason Lilly, Neogen’s Chief Scientific Officer. “This technology gives processors the ability to react in real time.”

Listeria is among the most persistent threats in food production, thriving in cold, damp areas such as drains, gaskets and equipment legs. It affects high-risk sectors including dairy, meat, seafood, produce and ready-to-eat foods, and poses serious dangers to vulnerable consumers.

Neogen’s Molecular Detection System (MDS) underpins the breakthrough. Unlike PCR methods, it uses Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) to target ribosomal RNA, which exists in thousands of copies per cell. This makes detection faster and highly sensitive. The streamlined workflow also reduces handling steps and can process up to 96 samples across multiple assays.

Validation trials have shown the method matches traditional culture techniques in sensitivity, while eliminating the need for enrichment media, incubators and lengthy preparation. Neogen says integration will be straightforward for processors already conducting routine swabbing, with full training and support available.

By shifting environmental monitoring from a slow, reactive process to real-time control, Listeria Right Now™ gives producers the chance to strengthen compliance, reduce downtime, and better protect public health.

Neogen will be hosting a free webinar on Tuesday 23 September with special guests from Commercial Food Sanitation to discuss Listeria, effective management strategies, and the brand-new Molecular Detection Assay - Listeria Right Now. 

The live session will include opportunities to ask questions of any of the panellists.

Register here to take part in the live event or to watch a recording at your leisure.